(Varroa, Nosema, AFB – Simple, Practical Advice with an Emphasis on Prevention and Biosecurity)
At first glance, a beehive might seem like a self-contained world—busy, yes, but sealed off from the troubles outside. But spend any time among the bees, and you’ll realise how vulnerable even the most industrious colony can be. Disease doesn’t knock at the door. It slips in quietly, sometimes unnoticed, and can change everything in a matter of weeks.
Yet, just as a hive survives through cooperation, so too does our beekeeping community. The health of our bees isn’t just a private concern—it’s a shared responsibility. When we learn to spot trouble early, act decisively, and look after each other’s hives as our own, we build a stronger future for everyone.
Varroa: The Unwelcome Passenger
Varroa mites are tiny, but their impact is anything but. Like a shadow following the hive, they sap strength and spread illness. You might not see them at first. Sometimes it’s just a feeling—the bees seem restless, the brood patchy, wings crumpled. A closer look reveals the truth: mites clinging to bee abdomens, or worse, tucked into the brood.
The answer isn’t panic, but vigilance. Regular checks—sugar shakes, sticky boards—become a ritual, like tending a garden. When mites appear, we act: rotating treatments, keeping careful records, never letting complacency take root. And we talk to each other, sharing what works, what doesn’t, because no one wins this fight alone.
Nosema: The Invisible Thief
Nosema doesn’t announce itself with drama. It creeps in quietly, weakening bees from within. You might notice more bees on the ground, a sluggishness at the entrance, streaks of waste on the landing board. Sometimes, you only see the aftermath—a colony that dwindles, honey stores untouched.
Prevention is the best medicine. Keep hives dry, well-ventilated, and clean. Replace old comb, feed wisely, and consider natural supplements to boost bee health. If Nosema does show up, act with care—medicate only when needed, and always follow best practice. Every small act of hygiene is a gift to your bees.
American Foulbrood: The Relentless Enemy
Of all the threats, AFB is the one that keeps beekeepers up at night. Its signs are unmistakable—a foul smell, sunken caps, a sticky brown rope when you test a cell. It’s a hard lesson, but a necessary one: when AFB is found, the only answer is swift, total action. Destroy infected gear. Burn what must be burned. Report it, so others can be spared.
It’s a sobering reminder that we are custodians, not just keepers. Our choices ripple outwards, affecting hives we’ll never see and beekeepers we’ll never meet.
Biosecurity: The Thread That Connects Us
Biosecurity isn’t just a checklist—it’s a mindset. Wash your tools. Keep records. Don’t swap gear between hives. Be cautious with new bees and equipment. And above all, stay connected. Share knowledge, report problems, and look out for your neighbours. The health of our bees is woven from a thousand small decisions, made day after day.
A Community of Care
In the end, beekeeping is about more than honey or harvests. It’s about stewardship. It’s about learning to read the subtle signs—a change in the hum, a shift in the brood pattern—and responding with care. It’s about asking for help when you need it, and offering it freely when you can.
When we face disease together, we’re reminded that a hive is not a fortress, but a community. And so are we. Our strength comes from vigilance, from honesty, and from the simple act of looking out for one another.
So check your hives. Share your findings. Celebrate the healthy seasons, and weather the hard ones together. Because in beekeeping, as in life, the future is built not by one, but by many—one careful action, one conversation, one thriving hive at a time.
